RESOLUTION
GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO DULUTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL AND MINNESOTA
POWER FOR A WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 800
EAST CENTRAL ENTRANCE (CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL/MINNESOTA POWER).

BY
COUNCILOR GILBERT:

WHEREAS, Duluth
Central High School and Minnesota Power have submitted to the city council
a request for a special use permit for a wind energy conversion system
on property described as in the NE1/4, SE1/4, Section 21, T50N, R14W,
lying south of Central Entrance and located at 800 East Central Entrance
and said permit application was duly referred to the city planning commission
for a study, report and public hearing and the city planning commission
has subsequently reported its approval to the city council; and

WHEREAS, the
approval was made because of the city planning commission's findings that
appropriate safeguards will exist to protect the comprehensive plan and
to conserve and to protect property values in the neighborhood if conditions
are observed (Reference File No. 04033).

NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED, that a special use permit is hereby granted to Duluth
Central High School and Minnesota Power to allow for the operation of
a wind energy conversion system at 800 East Central Entrance, subject
to the following conditions:(a)
The tower is to be installed within one year of approval of the special
use permit;(b)Fencing of at least ten feet
in height is to be installed at time of completion of the facility;(c)
The school is to provide a contact position should complaints arise in
the future;(c)(d)
The development is to follow the plans provided. Minor amendments or changes
are subject to review by planning and development department staff. Major
amendments or changes are subject to review by the planning commission.

STATEMENT
OF PURPOSE: This resolution grants a special use permit to
Duluth Central High School and Minnesota Power for the erection of a 1kW
wind generator atop a 64-foot tower structure on school property at 800
East Central Entrance. The wind generator will be used to power two lights
for Central High School's entrance sign. At the same time, equipment will
be available to allow students to track and record electricity data from
the power inverter box located at the base of the windmill. The generator
will also power two lights for free.The
applicant states that this project "is a unique application of renewable
energy resources while at the same time, a service learning opportunity
for high school students in cooperation with Minnesota Power's Engineering
Services Group." The
planning commission unanimously approved this resolution at its April
28, 2004 meeting.